Re: Traveling nursing questions Originally Posted by 310chmo
I am just about 1 yr into my nursing career and planning on traveling. I have a few questions from experienced travel nurses. How do I narrow my choices for which agency to select? What should I look out for? What should I ask for?
I will have about 18-20 mos experience by hours worked. I work in an ICU/CCU/NICU facillity and rotate thru all three units. I have my ACLS cert, getting my PALS cert and studying for the CCRN.
What else should I work on.
I'm planning on taking my family with me. Wife and three daughters.
Thanks for your help and input.
It sounds with this kind of background you will be a good candidate for a traveler.
That said, a word of advice from a long time traveler - don't try to make the change to traveling until the current economic outlook significantly improves. The market for travelers has bottomed out - (In my specialty alone, my company's listings have gone from 100 + at any given time to 30 - for the entire country!) Nurses with years of experience both clinically and as travelers are taking months to find a position. Especially as you will have family with you, this could be a real problem! I just got notified 2 days ago mid contract that my contract was cancelled immediately(for budget reasons at the hospital) and then today was told it's back on. Keep in mind if you are cancelled you then lose your housing, insurance, etc. along with your income. Not a very secure feeling!
Again, I don't say this to discourage you from looking at traveling at a later time, I just wouldn't leave a secure position at this time for the uncertainties of travel life.
(I can't help it - I talk like a Mom!)
Nursing News